“Moscow perceived with deep regret Israel’s resumption of the military operation in the Gaza Strip. As experience shows, it is impossible to settle the issue of hostages’ release by force. Russia strongly condemns any actions that lead to the death of civilians and destruction of social infrastructure,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

The operation, which had been in preparation for months, involved coordinated efforts between the IDF and Israel’s domestic security service, Shin Bet. The primary goal was to maximize damage to Hamas by striking as many members as possible in the first wave of attacks.

A key factor in the operation’s timing was the disruption of daily life in Gaza during the ongoing observance of Ramadan, which affected both civilians and militants. The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and the Military Intelligence Directorate had compiled a list of addresses where Hamas members were expected to gather for their nightly meals. During the first wave of attacks, dozens of planes and drones simultaneously dropped hundreds of bombs on these locations, where Hamas members were believed to be gathered.